Former Arsenal left back Kenny Sansom admits to his troubles

Kenny Sansom, with his wife Elaine and son Harry in the nursery of their London home in July 1987.

Former England and Arsenal left back Kenny Sansom has admitted to the miseries in his life due to alcohol and gambling addiction.

Having appeared 86 times for his country between 1979 and 1988, he held the record for the most number of caps for an English national full back, before being overtaken by Ashley Cole in February 2011.

According to The Sun, Sansom, during the short stay at his sister’s home, said: “I’ve been living homeless for 10 days.

“That’s because I’ve got no money, I’m a drunk, I’m feeling not very well and I’m a gambler. I’ve been living on the street. It’s not good living on the bench.”

Mary, his elder sister, revealed: “He is breaking my heart. I wish he would just tell us where he is.

“On Fathers’ Day we found him crying in the kitchen because none of his kids had sent him anything. Underneath all this he is such a nice person. But he can’t get his act together.”

She concluded by saying: “We’re worried we’re going to find him dead in the street somewhere.”

George Graham, Sansom’s former manager at Arsenal, on the player who disappeared shortly after the interview at his sister’s home, said: “He was a fantastic player under me when I was manager of Arsenal and he has over 80 caps for England.

“He was a model professional and it is very, very sad to hear that news. I am really surprised. I haven’t heard from Kenny for quite a while. I think the last time I saw him was on Sky television, working away. So it comes as big surprise.

“I think he should get in touch with the PFA because they are usually very supportive when players get into problems like Kenny obviously has. I am sure that Gordon Taylor, like he has with many players in the past, will be very willing to help Kenny.”

The Sun also reports that all that is left for the player now is a pay-as-you-go phone, a travel card, a £20 note, T-shirt and shorts on his back.